Mazda RX-8 (2011 year). Instruction - part 8

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NOTE

(U.S.A.)
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

(CANADA)
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry CANADA. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.

The keys carry a unique electronic code.
For this reason, and to assure your safety,
obtaining a replacement key requires some
waiting time. They are only available
through an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Always keep a spare key, in case one is lost.
If a key is lost, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.

If you lose a key, an Authorized Mazda
Dealer will reset the electronic codes of
your remaining keys and immobilizer
system. Bring all the remaining keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to reset.
Starting the vehicle with a key that has not
been reset is not possible.

qOperation

Arming

The system is armed when the ignition is
switched from ON to ACC or OFF.
The security indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes every two
seconds until the system is disarmed.

Disarming

The system is disarmed when the ignition
is switched ON with the correct ignition
key.
The security indicator light illuminates for
about three seconds and goes out.

If the engine does not start with the
correct ignition key, and the security
indicator light keeps illuminating or
flashing, the system may have a
malfunction. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

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Knowing Your Mazda

Security System

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NOTE

If the security indicator light illuminates
and stays on or flashes when the ignition is
switched ON, the engine will not start.

Signals from a TV or radio station, or from
a transceiver or a mobile telephone, could
interfere with your immobilizer system. If
you are using the proper key and your
engine fails to start, check the security
indicator light. If it is flashing, remove the
ignition key and wait 2 seconds or more,
then reinsert it and try starting the engine
again. If it does not start after 3 or more
tries, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

If the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving, do not
shut off the engine. Go to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer and have it checked. If you
shut off the engine while the light is
flashing you will not be able to restart it.

Since the electronic codes are reset when
repairing the immobilizer system, the keys
are needed. Bring all the existing keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

qModification and Add-On

Equipment

Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
system's operation if the system has been
modified or if any add-on equipment has
been installed.

CAUTION

To avoid damage to your vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to the immobilizer
system or the vehicle.

Theft-Deterrent System

If the theft deterrent system detects an
inappropriate entry into the vehicle, which
could result in the vehicle or its contents
being stolen, the alarm alerts the
surrounding area of an abnormality by
sounding the horn and flashing the hazard
warning lights.
Refer to Operation on page 3-51.

NOTE

The theft-deterrent system operates with the
key or the keyless entry system transmitter.

(With advanced key)
The theft-deterrent system can also be
operated using the advanced keyless
function.
The system operates only when the driver is
in the vehicle or within operational range
while the advanced key is being carried.

The system will not function unless it is
properly armed. To properly secure the
vehicle, always make sure all windows are
completely closed and all doors and the
trunk lid are locked before leaving the
vehicle. Remember to take your key and
transmitter.

qOperation

System triggering conditions

The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights flash for about 3
minutes when the system is triggered by
any one of the following:

Forcing open a door, the hood or the
trunk lid.

Unlocking a door with the inside door-
lock knob.

Unlocking a door with the door lock
switch.

Opening the hood by operating the
hood release handle.

Knowing Your Mazda

Security System

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Opening the trunk lid by operating the
trunk lid release button.

If the system is triggered again, the lights
and horn will activate until a door is
unlocked or the trunk lid is opened with
the key or with the transmitter.
(With advanced key)
The lights and horn can also be
deactivated by pressing the request switch
on a door.

NOTE

If the battery goes dead while the theft-
deterrent system is armed, the horn will
activate and the hazard warning lights will
flash when the battery is charged or replaced.

qHow to Arm the System

1. Close the windows and the moonroof

securely.

2. Remove the key from the ignition

switch.
(With advanced key)
Switch the ignition off with the start
knob.

3. Make sure all windows, the

moonroof

, the hood and the trunk lid

are closed. Close and lock all doors
from the outside using the key or press
the lock button on your keyless entry
system transmitter.
The hazard warning lights will flash
once to indicate that the system is
armed.
The following method will also arm the
theft-deterrent system:
(With advanced key)
Press a request switch on the doors or
the lock button on the transmitter.
(Without advanced key)
Close the hood and the trunk lid. Press
the area on the door-lock switch
marked

“LOCK” once. Close all doors.

NOTE

Locking the doors with the inside door-lock
knob will not arm the system.

NOTE

When the doors are locked by pressing the lock
button on the transmitter or request switch on
the front doors or using the key while the theft-
deterrent system is armed, the hazard warning
lights will flash once to indicate that the
system is armed.

qTo Turn off an Armed System

An armed system can be turned off by any
one of the following methods:

Unlock a door with the key.

Press the unlock button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.

Insert the key into the ignition switch
and switch the ignition ON.

(With advanced key)

Press a request switch on the doors
or the unlock button on the
transmitter.

Switch the ignition ON with the
start knob.

The hazard warning lights will flash twice
to indicate that the system is turned off.

NOTE

The trunk lid can be opened with the key or
the transmitter even when the system is
armed. The alarm will not come on and the
system will remain armed.

When the doors are unlocked by pressing
the unlock button on the transmitter or
request switch on the front doors or using
the key while the theft-deterrent system is
turned off, the hazard warning lights will
flash twice to indicate that the system is
turned off.

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Knowing Your Mazda

Some models.

Security System

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qTo Stop an Alarm

A triggered alarm can be turned off by
any one of the following methods:

Unlock a door with the key.

Open the trunk lid with the key.

Press the unlock button or press and
hold the trunk button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.

(With advanced key)

Press a request switch on the doors.

Press the unlock button or press and
hold the trunk button on the
transmitter.

NOTE

If you have any problem with the theft-
deterrent system, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.

qTheft-Deterrent Labels

A label indicating that your vehicle is
equipped with a Theft-Deterrent System is
in the glove compartment.

Mazda recommends that you affix it to the
lower rear corner of a front door window.

Knowing Your Mazda

Security System

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Steering Wheel

WARNING

Never adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving:

Adjusting the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Moving it can very easily cause the
driver to abruptly turn to the left or
right. This can lead to loss of control
or an accident.

qTilt Steering Wheel

To change the angle of the steering wheel,
stop the vehicle, pull the tilt wheel release
lever under the steering column down,
adjust the wheel, then push the release
lever up to lock the column.

Tilt wheel release
lever

After adjusting, push the wheel up and
down to be certain it's locked before
driving.

Mirrors

qOutside Mirrors

Check the mirror angles before driving.

Mirror type

Flat type (driver's side)
Flat surface mirror.
Convex type (front passenger side)
The mirror has single curvature on its
surface.

WARNING

Be sure to look over your shoulder
before changing lanes:

Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the
vehicle in the convex mirror is
dangerous. You could have a serious
accident. What you see in the convex
mirror is closer than it appears.

Power mirror

The ignition must be switched to ACC or
ON.

To adjust:

1. Press the left or right side of the

selector switch to choose the left or
right side mirror.

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Knowing Your Mazda

Steering Wheel and Mirrors

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2. Depress the mirror switch in the

appropriate direction.

Mirror switch

Selector switch

Outside mirror

After adjusting the mirror, lock the control
by placing the selector switch in the
center position.

Folding the mirror

Fold the outside mirror rearward until it is
locked.

WARNING

Always return the outside mirrors to
the driving position before you start
driving:

Driving with the outside mirrors
folded in is dangerous. Your rear view
will be restricted, and you could have
an accident.

qRearview Mirror

WARNING

Do not stack cargo or objects higher
than the seatbacks:

Cargo stacked higher than the
seatbacks is dangerous. It can block
your view in the rearview mirror,
which might cause you to hit another
car when changing lanes.

Rearview mirror adjustment

Before driving, adjust the rearview mirror
to center on the scene through the rear
window.
Manual day/night mirror

Auto-dimming mirror

Knowing Your Mazda

Steering Wheel and Mirrors

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NOTE

For the manual day/night mirror, perform the
adjustment with the day/night lever in the day
position.

Reducing glare from headlights

Manual day/night mirror

Push the day/night lever forward for day
driving. Pull it back to reduce glare of
headlights from cars at the rear.

Night

Day

Day/Night lever

Auto-dimming mirror

The auto-dimming mirror automatically
reduces glare of headlights from cars at
the rear when the ignition is switched ON.

Press the OFF button (

) to cancel the

automatic dimming function. The
indicator light will turn off.
To reactivate the automatic dimming
function, press the ON button (

). The

indicator light will illuminate.

Indicator light

OFF button

ON button

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Steering Wheel and Mirrors

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NOTE

Do not use glass cleaner or suspend objects
on or around the light sensor. Otherwise,
light sensor sensitivity will be affected and
may not operate normally.

Light sensor

For information regarding the 3 buttons
(

) on the auto-dimming

mirror, refer to HomeLink Wireless Control
System (page 5-70).

Knowing Your Mazda

Steering Wheel and Mirrors

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Important information about driving your Mazda.

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions ........................................ 4-2

Fuel Requirements .................................................................... 4-2
Emission Control System .......................................................... 4-3
Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide) ......................................... 4-4

Before Starting the Engine ........................................................... 4-5

Before Getting In ...................................................................... 4-5
After Getting In ......................................................................... 4-5

Driving Tips ................................................................................... 4-6

Towing ......................................................................................... 4-13

Trailer Towing ......................................................................... 4-13

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Fuel Requirements

Vehicles with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL,
which will reduce exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.

Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.

Fuel

Octane Rating

(Anti-knock index)

Premium unleaded fuel

91 [ (R

M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)

* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.

This vehicle is designed to use 91[ (R

M)/2 method] (96RON) or higher gasoline for best

performance. If 91[ (R

M)/2 method] (96RON) is not available, gasoline from 87 to 90[

M)/2 method] (91 to 95RON) can be used temporarily for emergency purposes, but

this will slightly reduce performance. Fuel with gasoline from 87 to 90[ (R

M)/2 method]

(91 to 95RON), driving in high temperature or low humidity conditions could cause engine
knocking.
Fuel with a rating lower than 87[ (R

M)/2 method] (lower than 91RON) could cause the

emission control system to lose effectiveness. It could also cause engine knocking and
serious engine damage.

CAUTION

Ø USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.

Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors and will lead
to deterioration of the emission control system and or failures.

Ø Your vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10 % ethanol

by volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of
any kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.

Ø Never add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those

specified by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10 %. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name

“Gasohol”.

Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not
be covered by the Mazda warranty.

Gasohol containing more than 10 % ethanol.

Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.

Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

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Emission Control System

Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system (the catalytic converter is part of
this system) that enables your vehicle to comply with existing exhaust emissions
requirements.

WARNING

Never park over or near anything flammable:

Parking over or near anything flammable, such as dry grass, is dangerous. Even with
the engine turned off, the exhaust system remains very hot after normal use and
could ignite anything flammable. A resulting fire could cause serious injury or death.

CAUTION

Ignoring the following precautions could cause lead to accumulate on the catalyst
inside the converter or cause the converter to get very hot. Either condition will
damage the converter and cause poor performance.

Ø USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.

Ø Do not drive your Mazda with any sign of engine malfunction.

Ø Do not coast with the ignition switch turned off.

Ø Do not descend steep grades in gear with the ignition switch turned off.

Ø Do not operate the engine at high idle for more than 2 minutes.

Ø Do not tamper with the emission control system. All inspections and adjustments

must be made by a qualified technician.

Ø Do not push-start or pull-start your vehicle.

NOTE

Under U.S. federal law, any modification to the original-equipment emission control system before
the first sale and registration of a vehicle is subject to penalties. In some states, such modification
made on a used vehicle is also subject to penalties.

NOTE

While the engine is off, the sound of a valve opening and closing can be heard from inside and
outside of the cabin interior, however this does not indicate an abnormality. Your vehicle has a self-
checking device and it operates while the engine is off.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

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Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide)

WARNING

Do not drive your vehicle if you smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle:

Engine exhaust gas is dangerous. This gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless, odorless, and poisonous. When inhaled, it can cause loss of consciousness
and death. If you smell exhaust gas inside your vehicle, keep all windows fully open
and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer immediately.

Do not run the engine when inside an enclosed area:

Running the engine inside an enclosed area, such as a garage, is dangerous. Exhaust
gas, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could easily enter the cabin. Loss
of consciousness or even death could occur.

Open the windows or adjust the heating or cooling system to draw fresh air when
idling the engine:

Exhaust gas is dangerous. When your vehicle is stopped with the windows closed
and the engine running for a long time even in an open area, exhaust gas, which
contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could enter the cabin. Loss of consciousness or
even death could occur.

Clear snow from underneath and around your vehicle, particularly the tail pipe,
before starting the engine:

Running the engine when a vehicle is stopped in deep snow is dangerous. The
exhaust pipe could be blocked by the snow, allowing exhaust gas to enter the cabin.
Because exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide, it could cause loss of
consciousness or even death to occupants in the cabin.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

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Before Getting In

Be sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.

Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.

Look under the vehicle for any sign of
fluid leaks.

If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.

NOTE

Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch fluid,
washer fluid, and other fluid levels should be
inspected. See Maintenance, Section 8.

After Getting In

Are all doors closed and locked?

Is the seat adjusted properly?

Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?

Is the steering wheel adjusted properly?

Is everyone's seat belt fastened?

Check all gauges.

Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.

Release the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.

Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Before Starting the Engine

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Break-In Period

No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.

Do not race the engine.

Do not maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.

Do not drive constantly at full-throttle
or high engine rpm (over 7,000 rpm)
for extended periods of time.

Avoid unnecessary hard stops.

Avoid full-throttle starts.

Money-Saving Suggestions

How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.

Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.

Avoid fast starts.

Keep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.

Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.

Slow down on rough roads.

Keep the tires properly inflated.

Do not carry unnecessary weight.

Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.

For improved engine starting
performance the next time you start the
engine after only driving the vehicle a
short distance, turn off the engine after
1 or more of the variable red zone
lamps in the tachometer have turned
off.
In addition, it is recommended that
short trips be avoided to ensure that the
engine reaches operating temperature
before turning off the engine.

Keep the wheels in correct alignment.

Keep windows closed at high speeds.

Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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WARNING

Never stop the engine when going
down a hill:

Stopping the engine when going
down a hill is dangerous. This causes
the loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause
damage to the drivetrain. Any loss of
steering or braking control could
cause an accident.

Hazardous Driving

WARNING

Be extremely careful if it is necessary to
downshift on slippery surfaces:

Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. The sudden change in tire
speed could cause the tires to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle
control and an accident.

Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:

The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.

When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:

Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.

Avoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.

Do not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
Refer to Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) on page 5-9.

If you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the rear
wheels.

For more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the rear wheels.

NOTE

Use snow chains only on the rear wheels.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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